State Rep. Ryan Lynch. D-Butte, has introduced House Bill 493 which will provide financing from the State of Montana to construct the Southwest Montana Veterans Home in Butte.
A hearing on this bill is scheduled at 3 p.m. Friday, Feb. 20, in Room 102 in the Capitol.
"This important facility to serve our veterans in southwest Montana has been awaiting federal financing since 2010,'' said Jim Smithan, director of the Butte Local Development Corp.
The State of Montana has allocated its share of the project financing.
"In order to move this vitally needed project forward, Representative Lynch's bill would have the State of Montana enter into a loan agreement with the Montana Facility Finance Authority for the purpose of constructing the Veterans Home pending federal financing,'' Smitham said.
This project is estimated to cost approximately $15 million and employ up to 100 people. "It would not only provide a badly needed service to our veterans, but be a major contributor to our local economy,'' Smitham said.
"It is very important that the members of the House Appropriations Committee see that this project has widespread support from Butte and Southwest Montana. We encourage you to attend the hearing and testify in favor of HB 493,'' he said.